JUST A MINUTE: Getting back into the workaday routine

This is how much I enjoyed the holidays: the snow kept my children home for an extra two days at the end of their school vacation, and I was happy about it.

Julie FayFor The Patriot Ledger

The holidays are over. Boohoo and thank goodness. First, the boohoo: My holidays were holly-jolly and more. The nights were silent and the days were merry and bright, and although Christmas itself wasn't white, we had snow the following week. It was just about perfect.

This is how much I enjoyed the holidays: the snow kept my children home for an extra two days at the end of their school vacation, and I was happy about it. A few years ago, two snow days after a week and a half of 24/7 parenting would have left me nuttier than the proverbial fruitcake. This year, I was perfectly content. We had a great vacation.

But the holidays, like all good things, came to an end. I nearly cried on the day we took down the Christmas tree. Oh, sure, the days were getting longer, but not enough to make a real difference, and that morning it had been a bone-chilling -8 degrees in my back yard. As I stood in the wan January daylight, I remembered that all the Christmas cookies were gone, too. At that moment, I thought my best option would be to hibernate until April. I had certainly prepared for it, with all the cookies I'd eaten, and more.

And then, the children went back to school. I joined millions of other people making up for lost time at the gym. I "conditioned" my hair, so deeply it chased the wintry grays off my head. I bought a couple of clothing items for work, and a couple others for working out. I battled my way through my first carbohydrate-cliff headache and emerged victorious, with the help of coffee and Tylenol. I made turkey soup, and life slowly got back to normal.

I do miss the cheerful lights of the Christmas tree, and the freedom to hang out in pajamas until lunchtime. I sigh for long evenings in front of the crackling fire, without concern for what time the alarm will go off in the morning. I wish I could have cookies for breakfast, or at all. I miss the kids' playfulness and even their mischief.

But the structure and rhythm of everyday life have their rewards, too. Weekends become more special, and there is a certain sense of accomplishment in getting dressed before noon after two weeks of extreme lounging. So, January, I can handle you. I'll chug through my days like the Little Engine That Could, and when the going gets tough, I'll remember: February break is only five weeks away.

Read more at www.juliefaysblog.wordpress.com

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